Structural, morphological, optical and magnetic properties of Ag3(2+x)InxNb4-xO11+delta (0.25 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel method

Abstract

Herein, we report the structure, morphology, optical and magnetic properties of novel Ag3(2+x) InxNb4-xO11+delta (0.25 <= x <= 1.0; Al-A4) nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel technique. The samples were studied using X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, and electron spin resonance. X-ray diffraction studies confirm the formation of monoclinic lattice type with P2/m space group. Purity and homogeneity of the samples were confirmed by X-ray mapping. The semiconductor nature of the samples was identified by optical absorption spectra which indicate an inter-band transition from the oxygen 2p to niobium 4d electronic states. The magnetization plots reveal the room temperature ferromagnetic behavior of the samples.